ORLANDO, Fla. – Did you have a New Year’s resolution to exercise more and create a healthier lifestyle? Ask yourself, are you still keeping up with that commitment? Be honest.
If you’ve fallen off a bit, you may want to try something new, like Lyra.
Just like any other exercise, it starts with a warmup. Then it’s time to climb the hoops, suspended from the ceiling.
“It gets mundane when you just go to the gym every day, so I try to switch up my fitness. I do Pilates, ab workouts and weightlifting, but this is different and works out different parts of your body,” News 6′s Treasure Roberts said.
Treasure invited News 6 to her weekly Lyra class in Orlando at Elevate Yoga Center. The basics of Lyra are pulling yourself up onto an aerial hoop, then maneuvering your body to create acrobatic positions, sometimes while spinning.
It’s a challenging workout using strength, balance and flexibility. This class is led by instructor Maya Smith.
“It is a fun way to workout and it’s unique because it targets your upper body and your grip strength like no other. People become a lot stronger than they think they’re capable of,” Smith said.
“It might look comfortable because the hoop is wrapped in tape or foam, but it’s complete metal underneath,” Treasure said. “I have calluses on my hands.”
And if you’re wondering, the floors are covered in mats for a softer landing.
Each class, instructor Smith demonstrates a combination of aerial moves and the members work to achieve new skills on the hoop, building strength and confidence.
“It’s a bit humbling. I start sweating five minutes in. I think it’s creative. It’s artsy and it makes me feel very pretty,” Treasure said. “The more comfortable you get with this workout, the more confident you get on the hoop doing tricks.”
Smith said Lyra can be modified for all levels and body types.
“If you were a kid that loved the monkey bars or climbing trees and you’re wanting to bring that spark of joy back into your life, you should give Lyra a try,” Smith said.
Click HERE for more details on Lyra and the classes offered by Elevate Yoga Center.
What types of unique workouts have you tried to stay fit and motivated. You can share your experiences in the comment section at the bottom of this article.
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